Citizen Ride-Along Program

You may wonder what serving in the role of a law enforcement officer is like, you may want to get a more in-depth look at what is happening in your community, or you may be considering a career in law enforcement.

The Newport News Police Department Ride-Along Program has been designed to give citizens and community members the opportunity to ride with a sworn law enforcement officer while the officer is engaged in regular duties.

Qualifications

Those accepted to take part in a ride-along must agree to adhere to certain criteria for their safety, and that of the officer(s). These are outlined more extensively in the application attachment (PDF). Additionally, those who are interested in taking part in a ride-along must:

Be at least 18 years of age

Have completed the application accurately and fully

Agree to a criminal record check

Select which area of the city (north, central or south) in which they wish to ride, as well as the preferred shift

Applicants are limited to one ride-along in a six month period, or two ride-alongs in a calendar year

Application Process

The ride along application process will begin when you access the web-based applicationby clicking on the link provided. This will take you to the application web page. In order to be considered for the ride-along, please take the time to fully and truthfully complete the application. You may submit it electronically upon completion.

Note to the Applicant: Please allow up to 2 weeks to process the application. By submitting the application via email, you will be asked to provide a written signature on your application at the time you arrive for your ride-along, as well as some form of valid photo identification. Additionally, your electronic submission of this application is an implicit agreement to the performance of the needed investigation on your background prior to approval of your ride-along request.